Now that cold weather has arrived in Illinois, along with a bit of snow, many schools will be holding indoor recess. Parents for Healthy Kidsrecently featured an article on how to work with school administrators and teachers to ensure that indoor recess still gives kids the opportunity to be active.

The article provides several tips that PTAs can use to build an indoor recess plan that helps kids burn off energy. Among them are:

  • Look at space and schedule availability. What areas are not in use at certain times where kids could jump rope or move around without disrupting other classes?
  • Create recess bags with goodies to help teachers run indoor recess in the classroom. Include items like jump ropes, foam balls, fitness videos (e.g., GoNoodle’s Indoor Recess series), movement dice, and yoga cards so teachers have activities right at hand.
  • Enlist parent volunteers to help teachers with indoor recess.
  • Get student input to find out what kids would like to do during indoor recess.
  • Establish recess procedures that make sure all students are active and safe while not disturbing the class next door.

Find more tips in the articleand additional resources on keeping kids healthy and active at Parents for Healthy Kids.

Photo courtesy US Air Force/Staff Sgt. Alexnadre Montes.